The Fruits of Liberation

When the mind faculty resonates with the Dharma and is stirred, it gives rise to physical and mental reactions. When principles previously unknown to the mind faculty are now known, or when previously misunderstood principles are now comprehended, physical and mental reactions arise to express one's emotions and mental state. These states can manifest even before attaining the fruition; after attaining the fruition and realizing the mind and attaining enlightenment, the physical and mental reactions become even more pronounced. This is the experiential merit and beneficial effect of actual realization. The absence of these phenomena indicates that the mind faculty has not been stirred. Whether in the Mahayana or Hinayana teachings, without such actual realization, it remains merely intellectual understanding, devoid of genuine merit and beneficial effect. The outcome of such intellectual understanding will be revealed at the end of one's life.

Therefore, everyone should take responsibility for their own matter of birth and death. Do not be quick to wear a tall hat for yourself, claiming realization when it has not been attained. If one lacks the conduct and wisdom of a sage or virtuous person, what does it matter to merely understand some Buddhist teachings? Many people, having grasped some Buddhist teachings, presume themselves to be sages or virtuous individuals. In truth, without the actual experiential merit and beneficial effect, their virtue does not match their position, and problems will inevitably arise—especially at the moment of life's end.